Nuggets Star Confirms Nikola Jokic’s Unusual Behavior Change in Playoffs as Urgent Meeting Details Emerge

It has been two weeks since the Denver Nuggets severed all ties with Michael Malone. The head coach who walked into the locker room in 2015 and spent years rebuilding the team. But that championship in 2023 added the badge of honor to his name. But now that he’s gone, Nikola Jokic, the team’s brightest star, has stepped into new roles. He’s not just hooping anymore, he’s bringing a never-seen-before force to the floor. The urgency seems evident, and his leadership is loud.

Someone who’s watching everything closely, DeAndre Jordan, had some stories to tell on Run It Back. Boogie wanted to know from the 36-year-old how Malone’s firing has impacted Joker. Has Jokic taken more of a leadership role? Has he used his voice more in the locker room lately? Nikola seems to have the blaze around him, looks like he’s doing everything.

“I think that he knows that, obviously, with the release of Mo, it was a big hit to our team, our organization,” DJ said of Nikola Jokic. “So I think that he knew he had to step up even more with his voice. This is the most that I’ve really seen him engage in timeouts, in the locker room, at halftime, pregame.” Well, the ‘stoic’ Nikola is definitely coming out of his shell. You’ll find him more vocal on the sidelines and the court. Jordan further said: “He’s always done it, but he’s done it a lot more. I think that he knows that it was a big deal.” 

Apr 19, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) at the free throw line during overtime against the LA Clippers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The 30-year-old has embraced more responsibilities and stepped up as a leader on the court since Michael Malone’s exit. You could say Nikola Jokic is the binding force of the Denver Nuggets (which he is!). Meanwhile, DeAndre Jordan also shared the funny moments of witnessing the ‘leader’ Joker. “It’s kind of funny to see him get excited because sometimes he’ll stumble over his words and then throw some Serbian in there. We’re like, ‘Bro, we didn’t understand that. Go back and do it in English.'” Listening to his teammates’ plea, the Serbian superstar takes a deep breath and continues with instructions

“It’s also great to see a great player like that, a leader, come out and just be a huge voice for you,” Jordan concluded. Well, it’s not new in the NBA to have the face of the franchise become the leader when the situation demands. And here, Jokic rising to the occasion seems like the right medicine for the Denver Nuggets. He’s also making waves in the MVP conversation this year, AGAIN!

Meanwhile, DeAndre Jordan revealed some private locker room situations following the firing of their head coach two weeks ago.

Latest details on Nuggets after Malone’s firing emerge as Nikola Jokic takes leadership roles

On April 8, the Denver Nuggets announced that they had just fired Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth. It looked like the aftermath of their four consecutive defeats right before the Playoffs run. Meanwhile, Coach Malone held himself accountable for the loss, thus giving more reasons to the front office to show him the door. Now, it’s curious that we don’t know much about the locker room situation after the episode.

So, DJ narrated, “It was very surprising. We had a meeting that was called, and we were told. It was shocking. But at the end of the day, the world doesn’t stop spinning.” The incident came as a shock for Nikola Jokic & Co., but when has something like this ever stopped the NBA’s world from revolving?

Apr 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone during the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

“The basketball is not going to stop because of something that’s going on with our team. But I love Mo. Mo was great for us. We won a championship together. So that will not be forgotten. But at the end of the day, we’ve got to keep moving and keep going,” Jordan added.

All in all, Nikola Jokic’s stepping in as the leader, and the Nuggets aren’t slowing down. Sure, losing Malone stung, but this squad’s not built to sulk. Instead, they’re syncing up, firing back, and leaning into Jokic’s quiet storm. Who knew chaos could bring out this kind of clarity?

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